Some thoughts on marital harmony

Subsequent to my last blog, which links astrology and psychology, I am trying to talk about marriage aspects (marital harmony) in a horoscope. The seventh house, the house of shadow is linked with marital matters. According to Jyothish, marriage is seen as a tool to form a family. So the second house, the house of family also is to be taken into consideration. Again marriage is an addition of a person to another person. So I believe we should consider the eleventh house, the house of profits also is to be considered. But the eleventh house is always linked with extras, that is , second wife. Maharishi Jaimini suggests that we should look into some more aspects as very important indicators while looking into marital matters. They are Lagna Padha which is otherwise called Arudha Lagnam (AL), Dara Padha which is A7, Upa Padha (UL) which is A12, second house from UL, seventh and eighth houses from Upa Padha. He also suggests us to consider Darakaraka (DK) which he believes as a vital indicator of marriage, Karakamsa the house in D9 where AK is posited and its seventh house, the planet occupying that house, its status etc., I think we should also consider the seventh house from where Dara Padha (A7) is posited.

Maharishi Parasara says that if the seventh house from AL is occupied by Rahu / Ketu, the native will have disorders of stomach. Since stomach is the starting point of all health issues this should be considered. If the seventh house from AL has Ketu in it and he is in conjunction with or suspected by malefic planet, the native will be taking a lot of risk in life being a very adventurous personality, will have grey hair at young age and will become very old soon. If the seventh house from AL has Jupiter, Venus, Moon, either all the three together or atleast two of them, then the native will be very wealthy. If the seventh house from AL has an exalted planet then the native will be blessed with wealth, name and fame altogether throughout his life. He also says if the above combinations are existing in the second house from AL, then also the results will be the same. This shows that the second house and 7^th house from AL, according to Sage Parasara, signify wealth, name and fame.

What can be understood from the above? The AL is the perception of a native by the world. It is his image as perceived by others. It is the side of the native under the spell of Maya. We can extend it further. If benefic planets are placed in Panapara, Kendra and Kona houses from AL, during their period also the native is likely to enjoy all the good things in life. Marital happiness also is one such thing. When malefic are placed in Upachaya sthanas from AL then they bring in wealth. If AL and A7 are in tine or in Kendra there will be marital harmony. If they are 6/8 relationship, there will be enmity between the marital partners. This will affect the marital relationship of the native. We can say the same thing with AL and UL also.

Sage Parasara, while discussing about A7 and its seventh house, he identifies issues like name and fame only. But this A7 indicates the perception of others regarding marital bliss of a native. So I feel we should consider this also while considering marital harmony. I think we can take A7 as lagna and view the planetary positions from there. Definitely the benefic and malefic influences will give us clues.

Uttara Kalamritha says that we should find out everything about the first marriage or spouse from A7 and UL. From the eighth houses of the above two arudhas we can find about the second marriage or spouse. Kalidasa says that the spouse lost can be seen from the malefic connection of these two arudhas. If these two arudhas are benefic ones, then there is marital bliss.

DK, Darakaraka is the planet which has the least longitude, can be considered for predicting marital harmony. We can look at DK, 7^th from DK in D1, DK navamsa and also rasis aspecting DK rasi. The famous astrologer and writer K.N.Rao while discussing Chardasas discuss DK in a detailed manner in his books. He removes Rahu from Charakarakas. He says that there are only seven charakarakas. While not going into the details of this, I would say that we can certainly look into DK, 7^th from DK as reference points and analyse the marital harmony.

Karakamsa in D9 is the house occupied by AK. The seventh house from it, if occupy Moon and Jupiter, then the native will get an extremely beautiful spouse. In case if Venus occupy this house the spouse will be very sexual. If it is Mercury, the wife will be well versed in fine arts. If this house occupy Sun, then the spouse is from a powerful family. In the case of wife she will confine herself to the domestic activities. In the case of Saturn occupying this house the spouse will be looking older, pious and rich. Rahu will bring a widower. We can also try this in looking at D1 also in addition to D9. If the planet in the seventh from Karakamsa curses, then there will be obstacles in marriage.

Astrology goes with psychology

C.G.Jung, a well known human psychologist scientist has propagated a theory called “Shadow Theory”.  It is a famous theory on human personality. He divides human psyche into three parts. The first part is EGO which is identified with Conscious Mind. The second part is the “Personal Unconscious Mind” and the third is “Collective Unconscious Mind”. He says it is the result of every human’s psychic inheritance which is nothing but a store of past experiences everyone is born with. Are we conscious of this? He says “No”. But these will always get reflected by the knowledge of some religious faiths or myth or feeling the vibrations for someone and many more. It is the result of a mixture of the individual’s outer reality and his or her innermost unconscious experiences in the past. This theory also says that we always deny in ourselves the personification of the mixture of the past but project them into others. This, he calls it as “Shadow”.

We play either a male or female. This is generally decided by the physical gender. But we are all, in real, bisexual. This is what CG Jung also says in agreement with people like Freud. Some psychologists call it as Anima and Animus. They say it is a collective image which motivates each sex to respond and understand the members of the other gender. Man apprehends the nature of a woman by virtue of his hidden Anima and a woman does the same with a man by virtue of her Animus. The Anima is lying with men in their unconscious mind and the Animus does the same with a woman. It is the masculine personality of a woman lying with her without her knowledge.

If you look out this concept using Astrology as a science, you will understand that the disposition of planets in individual charts decide about the inner bent of mind or cravings or capacity to perceive. This capacity helps us to have an image of our partner and we search such one when we reaches the age of accepting one in our life. It is a successful achievement for some. Some others make a search and search but end up with disappointments and with more cravings. Some people drop the idea of such search in shear disgust after repeated failure. For some a realization comes after a trial and failure of the results. They come out and try to search again. This is what we call as soul mate. It is all an individualistic phenomenon.  It is again a fact that two persons having similar destiny meet on the path of life, enjoy as well as suffer their life together or have a mixed experience according to the karmic results and linkage of the past and previous births.

How this karmic linkage is identified in the horoscopes?

·        Lagna and Moon signs, Seventh House and its Lord in a male chart.

·        Lagna, Sun and Mars, the seventh house and its lord in a female chart.

In a male chart the Anima which is called the female element is decided by Venus. Venus indicates the anima of a male and his subconscious desire about womanhood. Moon helps him to imagine about the woman he desires and he will project this image on various women that attract him in his life. The lagna will portray the social image and his personality, his independent thoughts and his capacity to face worldly matters. The 7^th house and its ruler will govern his interactions with women and the resulting experiences in his lifetime.

So when Moon and Venus have either aspects to each other, or association or when Moon is in the star of Venus or Venus is in the star of Moon or either of them occupy the place owned by other in D1 or D9 is to be taken very seriously by any astrologer which will speak of the quality of his association with women. This is because Moon represents inner image and Venus represents outer projection of female image.

The male element which is called as animus, in a woman’s unconscious mind represents her boldness and courage. It also reflects her independent opinion and power of action. Mars stands for this animus and creates a desire to have a man in her life. Sun works in the inner level to create a male image in her mind which will govern her interactions with men. Lagna will picturise her skills, freedom of action and outer behavior projecting her real personality to the outer world, the seventh house and its lord will govern her interactions and their success or failure with men, the persons of opposite gender.

So in a female chart if there is an aspect, association or any sort of relationship as said above exists the same will speak the quality of her interactions with men.

Here Sun represents the inner image and Mars represents the outer projection of male image.

How the shadow theory is relevant here? We have to discuss this with the first as well as seventh house together. The first house relates the inner skill and the seventh house represents how they are demonstrated. The shadow is camouflaged in the lagna and it is an integral part of the personality. The first house represents the personality, role etc. We all know that there is a special lagna called Arudhalagna which is the real mask of the lagna.  This is the perception of others about an individual. When we project the first house as representing the personality the seventh house represents our interactions with others. Then this is the real shadow of the individual.  We unconsciously look for the valued shadow qualities when we are looking for a partner or life mate. So the seventh house indicates the values. This is decided by the seventh house, its ruler, the planets in 7^th house, the planets aspect the seventh house, the planets aspect the ruler of seventh house. Again it is karmic effect. So the native will have a soul mate meeting these desired values or the native will force unconsciously the values on the partner.

One should be aware that our shadow may create a pit where our personality falls and can lose its identity. On the other hand the experience with the shadow can be a enjoyable one. It all depends on the karmic results.

This article is written to just help everyone to understand the link between Astrology and psychology.

Relationships are like trees

Hi, Thought of giving you some input on relationship issues. Nowadays, I am experiencing with a number of parents who come to me for advice based on astrological findings, have this relationship issues as a paramount one. They want to know if their children will have to go for a divorce or can join their spouse back. Almost all the cases, I found, the natives have lack of space in their heart.

What is the main reason for this evil of damaging the family system? Lack of understanding? Freedom form dependence emotionally? You can contemplate on this. Let us see it comparing it with trees.

Relationships are like trees:

My dear friends, have you ever been to any orchard? I am sure we all have seen at least a few of them like orange, mango, cashew, coconut, chikku and many more. Did you notice how these trees are planted? There is always a gap between any two grown up trees. Every tree needs some space to grow properly. It needs the right amount of light, soil, water, mineral and loving hands of a farmer. When all these needs are being taken care of properly, then only the tree grows the way the farmer wants it to be.


Similarly, all relationships too need some space to grow. They also need right amount of all ingredients including love and affection to take a proper shape. Any relationship is like the four pillars of a temple. They are together, but they can’t come very close to each other and if they do so, the walls of the temple would fall off resulting in its collapse. So all relationships need a proper space to grow!


A tree is planted today but bears fruits only after a particular period, when it reaches maturity.
Similarly, our relationships also bear fruits at a later date. We shouldn't expect anything right from the beginning.

Big trees give shelter to all passersby without any expectations. And I have noticed that true and matured relationships also provide mental, emotional and physical shelter (support) to all.

Deeper the roots, stronger the hold of a tree. Similarly deeper the understanding, stronger the relationship.

When the winds are blowing harsh, the trees sway in the direction of wind and only those who do so, survive. Others are uprooted. Similarly, there are occasions when we just need to overlook a few things, just let them go, just flow with the wind. Only such relationships pass the test of hard times and survive even in not so favorable conditions.

Thus friends! Relationships are like trees, if nurtured with utmost love and care, will bear sweet fruits of love, compassion, strong emotional bonding and care.

Please note the following:
“Single” and Relationship” are just titles. Your heart determines your true relationship status.

“To know when to go away and when to come closer is the key to any lasting relationship”
--Domenico Cieri Estrada

Healthy relationships are not perfect relationships, but they are balanced relationships. They are balanced by good and bad times, fights, forgiveness, mistakes, ecstasy and tranquility.

Astrologically, we used to review the status of Venus (Sukran) in every horoscope to decide the status of their pursuing their relationship with others. If this planet is affected then there will be relationship issues for them. WE always advise them to understand this aspect of their natural character and try to rectify them. This is just an attempt to overcome the issues becoming hard.

When Venus is posited in Navamsa at seventh from Karakamsa and at the same time it is cursing the native, then the native needs to carryout parihara for the same.

Have a Great Day.

TRANSIT OF JUPITER

I would like to alert my readers about the good and bad of the transit of Jupiter. You might have studied a number of books published so far about the predictions of the transit. Please note that these predictions need not be 100% true. Every horoscope is unique. So the results also shall be unique. These results are based on various planets positioning during birth, movement during transit date and Dasa - Antar Dasa periods. If you see the occurance of predictions, the weightage is about 70% on the natal chart, 20% on Dasa Antar Dasa and only 10 % on transit. What will happen to an individula is decided by the birth chart, when will it happen is decided by the Dasa and Antar Dasa and how this will happen is decided by Transit. If all are favourable all positive results happen and vice versa. So I would request all my readers not to worry much on such transits.

The basis for this is a slokha given in a very old astrology book titled "Kala Vidhanam".

"Bhayam Poojam Rujam Dravya Hanim Sowkyam Sucham Sriyam

Hanim Dhanam Sthana Nasam Labam Peetam Guru: Kramath"

With this slokha we can give the prediction for various rasis. Please note the point I have mentioned in the first paragraph of this message.

Mithunam - Bhayam - Fear
Rishabam - Poojam - Improvement in status
Mesham - Rujam - Acquired disease
Meenam = Dravya Hanim - Material Oss
Kumbam - Sowkyam - No need to explain
Makaram - Sucham - Exixting Disease - Take care
Dhanur - Sriyam - Ayswaryam
Vrichikam - Hanim - Loss
Thulam - Dhanam - Money
Kanya - Sthana Nasam - Displacement
Simham - Lapal - Gains
Katakam - Peetam - Worries

So mentally prepare yourself for the results predicted and face it with confidence. Pray to Sri Lakshmi Narasimar.

Book Review: FISH - by my friend Sri Sunderji

Today I am bringing out some topic not connected with Vedic Astrology. My friend Mr Sunder is in a top position with a private company in Yamuna Nagar, Haryana. He travels lot and enjoy the nature during his travels. He also reads a lot. He used to share with some of us his thoughts on his experiences as "Weekend Thoughts". I am extremely privileged to share one with you since I feel this will inspire you and modify your way of working.

Thanks Sunderji.

S Narayanan

Weekend Thoughts

Book Review: ‘Fish’ by S.C.Lundin, H. Paul, and J. Christensen

Does a book have to be voluminous, running into hundreds of pages in order to make an impact? Does brevity of words necessarily imply economy of thought? My answer to both queries: a resounding No! I am referring to a book titled ‘Fish’ by Lundin, Paul and Christensen (hereafter LPC). It was published back in 2001 by Hodder and Stoughton.

Pick up the book, and you could well be forgiven for getting put off by the title. (Happens all the time in a book shop these days, doesn’t it?). Well, the fish being referred to is from Seattle’s Pike Place Fish Market. Imaginary as the story-line is, the fish market is at the centre of the effort by the authors to deliver powerful messages, and inspiring thoughts which would help any reader to love the work he/she does; boost performance and excel in life.

At a time when most nations are reeling under near recession and the job market all over the world appears to be shrinking; when competition is severe and work gets more and more demanding, this book, though published several years ago, appeared as a reminder to me of that common wish: if only work could become a play for all of us. According to the authors, there is no reason why it cannot. But then, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to thousands of working professionals having some amount of experience. They would know that it is possible to have “a more playfully productive atmosphere at work”; that being serious or formal or having a tense working environment rarely helps to boost productivity.

How do we go about making work more enjoyable and fun-filled? The book draws inspiration from the way fish is traded at the Pike Place in Seattle. It strives to provide insight to create “an innovative and accountable work environment where a playful, attentive, and engaging attitude leads to more energy, enthusiasm, productivity, and creativity”. It comes up with four simple and yet powerful principles. The authors believe that it is basically about having the right attitude. We must choose our attitude every day and choose it well. To quote from the book, “There is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is not a choice about the work itself”. We all know that most of work is mundane and boring. Given this situation, can we not try and turn the work to something interesting?

Consider the following logic:

1.       Usually, any given work involves a group of individuals performing different elements (tasks) in order to achieve the end objective of that work.

2.       The individuals could go around with their tasks either in a cold, tense environment with

frowning faces; or in a happy, relaxed manner.

3.       Being happy and relaxed at work does not necessarily mean being casual or unconcerned.

4.       Human beings, by nature, would prefer to be happy and relaxed at any time, instead of tense and worked up.

Despite the above, why is it that we have so much tension, argument and disagreement at work?

Well, there could be a variety of reasons: lack of trust, differing perceptions, poor communication, varied personalities, improper planning, lack of professionalism; as well as poor skills on the part of one or more persons engaged in that work. The second principle that LPC come up with is this: try and convert work into a play. This would add so  much fun to what we are all doing in the work situation. In turn, it would bring in so much energy and creativity to what we all do. The result? We would be able to perform better; and in a happier, enjoyable frame of mind. Remember the old saying, ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’?

Whatever be the nature of work that we perform, either as an individual or as part of a team, the

output of our work forms the input for another individual or team. The latter could be termed as our customer. If such people are part of the same organization, we could call them internal customers. On the other hand, if they are outside our organization, and are paying for the goods and/or services that we deliver, they could be referred to as external customers.

Be that as it may, LPC believe that for achieving success in our work, we must strive to include our

customers in all the fun and happiness that we seek to generate. Let us not ignore our customers. Let us perform beyond their expectations. And delight them. Which brings us to the third principle: Make Their Day. To quote from the book, “The fish guys include the customers in their good time. They engage their customers in ways which create energy and goodwill. The atmosphere is one of inclusion.” The message is clear. Let’s create happiness and joy for our customers as well. As individuals, if we try and make each other’s day, wouldn’t it bring about so much fun and energy into the work environment?

More important: wouldn’t it improve the quality of work that we all do?

The fourth and final point that the book makes is equally important. This is about being fully present at work. “Be There”, say the authors. We cannot remain detached in any work situation. We should stay focused and be available to each other as well as to our customers. Indeed, the latter are the reason for our existence. Each of us needs to interact, to engage, and communicate. Surely this would improve the working and create goodwill all around? While discussing an issue with our colleagues, let us be fully present, let us truly listen and not allow ourselves to be distracted. Don’t we all know that it is better to be disagreed with than to be ignored? “Fish” is truly worth a read.

End

P. Sunder

(25 May, 2013)

FEMALE HOROSCOPES - SOME THOUGHTS TO START WITH

Maharishi Parasara says that all the results relating to male horoscope should also be considered for female horoscope. However the attributes related to her Deha like physical traits, body etc., should be reckoned from the first house, the birth from the 5^th house, husband from the 7^th house and her widowhood from the 8^th house. Those results which are not possible to occur for a female shall be stated for her husband. Example: Impotency.

The fortune of her husband and widowhood of a woman should be analysed from the 7^th and 8^th houses respectively in her natal chart. The 7^th house denote the husband or the ascendant of the husband. The ascendant not only signifies the body but also should stand for general happiness, sorrows, knowledge (prudence), place of birth, fame, strength, general appearance, glory, honour, politeness, status, longevity, solace, prestige, behavior, sound health, childhood, adulthood, old age etc., The karakatwas of the ascendant is also utilized to predict character of the native, shortcomings etc., Therefore from the seventh house of a woman shall be taken as the ascendant for her husband to analyse his characteristics. Positioning of the benefic planets in the seventh house makes her fortunate.

In the native chart of a woman, if Sun is posited in 7^th house without any malefic connections, it can be predicted that she will marry a person from a high class society or higher in status.

Phaladeepica advocates that sowbagya of a woman (her husband’s fortune) weather he is alive or not, should be predicted from the 8^th house of her horoscope. Jataka Parijatha says that the longevity of a woman’s husband can be predicted from her 8^th house only. Hence, we have to analyse the widowhood of a woman from the 8^th house is more appropriate. This is the only place where position of malefic like Mars causes obstacles in the happiness and comforts of a husband. Placement of Mars in the 8^th house of a female chart indicates that the native is Maglika. The 8^th place from the 7^th house is the 2^nd house. The second house is considered as the house of death of a husband. If the 8^th house  of a female holds two or more malefic, the second house of the native will have the aspects of more malefic and that will indicate an adverse situation for the longevity of the husband. Parasara says that if Mars is placed in the 8^th house of a female, she will be responsible for the death of her husband.

We will share more thoughts on female horoscopes in future. 

DIVISIONAL CHARTS

Most of the astrologers satisfy themselves studying and analyzing only D1, the natal chart and D9, the navamsa chart. But sages have developed various divisional charts which signify a particular important aspect of a native. They certainly influence the native’s life in a particular area.

1. The natal chart which is otherwise called Rasi Chart or D1 shows all matters concerning the native in general.
2.  The Hora Chart D2 indicates wealth and money matters.
3.  The Drekkana chart D3 indicates siblings, diseases pointing out a particular part and of course death.
4.  The Chadurthamsa or D4 chart indicates places of residence, property owned and fortune in general.
5.  The Panchamsa chart or D5 indicates fame, authority and followers.
6.  Tha Shashtamsa chart or D6 indicates the challenges that are likely to face by native on the health front.
7.  The Sapthamsa chart or D7 will allow the astrologer to find out everything related to children and grand children.
8. The Ashtamsa chart or D8 indicates sudden and unexpected experiences and troubles including litigation.
9.  The Navamsa chart or D9 shows marriage and all matters related to one’s spouse, to one’s own dharma, interpersonal and basic skills.
10. The Dasamsa  chart or D10 shows career and achievements of a native in a society.
11. The Rudramsa chart or D11 indicates death and destruction.
12.  The Dwadasamsa chart or D12  shows everything related to parents and all their blood relatives.
13.  The Shodasamsa chart or D16 indicates vehicles, pleasures and discomforts of a native.
14.  The Vimsamsa chart of D20 indicates religious involvement of a native and his spiritual evolution.
15.   The Chaturvimsamsa chart of D24 indicates learning, knowledge and formal education of a native.
16.   The Nakshatramsa chart or D27 indicates strengths and weaknesses inherent in a person’s nature.
17.   The Trimsamsa chart or D30 shows all evils, punishments, past karma, some diseases etc.
18.   The Khavedamsa chart or D40 indicates auspicious and inauspicious events, mother and her ancesters etc
19.  The Akshavedamsa chart or D45 indicates fortune, father and his ancestors and also religious activities of a native.
20.  The Shashtiamsa chart or D60 indicates the actions and karma of past life.

 Of course, there are divisional charts up to 108 each indicating a subject.